Keely
,
7

Keely has always dreamt of being a princess. A princess does not get sick. A princess does not have to make regular trips to the doctor. A princess is always dressed in beautiful outfits. A princess has all of her dreams come true.

For this 7-year-old fighting cancer, becoming a princess gave her the opportunity to leave her troubles behind and be the center of attention in a positive way.

Just like any fairy tale story, a princess must prep before her big debut and Keely was no exception. She had her hair and nails done, donned elegant jewelry, and then picked out her coronation dress from a closet full of beautiful ball gowns.

Dressed in an elegant pink ball gown, Keely’s princess coronation included trumpeters, a crowning and was followed by high tea complete with finger sandwiches and mini pastries. The day was even proclaimed “Princess Keely Day” by Governor Hickenlooper of Denver! At the end of the day, Keely was greeted by all of her royal subjects who waved signs and presented her with roses.

“No detail went unnoticed,” said Keely’s mom, Kristy. “We were all pampered and taken care of like you wouldn’t believe! Yes, it was Keely’s wish, but we were all included in everything. Even our other daughter, Ella, was treated like a princess.”

The next day, it was time for Keely’s first act as princess – to start The Oyster Race, an urban adventure race. Showing up in style, Keely announced the start of the race from her royal throne atop a stage. She later judged a secret race stop which turned out to be a dance competition. Keely and her sister, Ella both enjoyed helping out the racers learn the dance number.

After her weekend of fun, Keely felt rejuvenated – she felt like a princess!

“This has been an incredible experience for our family. You don’t always realize it, as you’re going through the day-to-day of surviving cancer, how much it takes out of you. Keely has come through it all — like a rock star.”

– Kristy, Keely’s mom

Princess Keely getting ready at The Ritz-Carlton for her royal coronation

Princess Keely putting on her royal slippers

No princess can go without her white gloves!

The Royal Family arriving at The Brown Palace in a pink limo

Princess Keely's grand entrance at her royal coronation at The Brown Palace